Mt St Michel lodging? On Mont or across on causeway?

stay on the Mont! It's magical to be there early AM and late evening - so much that you forget the wall-to-wall crowds during most of the day. Otherwise, it would be like going to see Las Vegas and staying in Henderson, or visiting Manhattan and staying in Jersey.

PS if you can get up very early, its worthwhile to go all the way up to the chapel in the abbey and listen to the morning prayers being chanted.

I stayed there with my 15 year old grandson. One of the most memorable experiences we have had. I have traveled a lot and have to say it was really special to wander around after everyone else had gone. We were there in Nov. so the crowds in the day weren't terrible, but I am so glad we stayed there.

I stayed in the hotel Relais Du Roy. Hotel is basic, nothing special. But one of the best meals I've ever had in France, I kid you not, was at their restaurant. Regardless of whether you dine there or another one, be seated by 7pm since they all close early.

It was easy to get over the causeway. It's a long walk so I took the shuttle buses which run every 5 minutes or so during the day, somewhat less frequently really early or late at nite. But I don't think I had to wait more than 10 minutes for one. By staying off the Mont I was able to park in the hotel lot, and got to see the magnificent approach to the Mont every time I went back (3x total, in the afternoon when arriving, that nite after dinner, the next morning before leaving)

We also stayed at Relais du Roy -- which meant that we were able to enjoy the magical view of Mt St Michel from the hotel. Easy and quick shuttle to/from the island, so we saw both high tide and low tide, and had a final look early in the morning before we drove to the Loire Valley.
IMHO, "on the island" is overrated.

Here we are again. The travelers' dilemma. You say po-tay-toe and I say po-tah-toe. Is the magic on the Mont or in seeing it as you approach?

I agree with Terry and stan. Stay on the Mont. But I was impressed with the way Bill G and Laura B described it. The approach is magical, but to be able to walk, climb and explore when the day crowds have left is unforgettable in my opinion. Understand that it can be physically challenging. Virtually every place you go will include going up or coming down. But you don't have to hurry. Popping in and out of passageways, seeing where staircases lead, and looking out from different parts of the island make the exertion worthwhile - to say the least.

You don't say when you'll be there but you should consider going to the abbey at night. I'm not sure it'll be the same this year, but two summers ago we were enthralled by harp, cello and flute being played in different rooms along with creative lighting.

Access is not hard. You park, get on a tram (or walk across the causeway) and you're there. I haven't seen any problem with long waits or getting on the shuttles. The parking lot attendants were knowledgable, helpful and (at least the ones we interacted with) spoke English.

We stayed on shore to have the beautiful night view of Mont St. Michel -- if I had it to do over again I would stay on the Mont. https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2014/01/21/mont-st-michel-is-that-a-real-place/ But we would arrange at least one stroll on the causeway to look back at the Mont at night. The best thing about MSM is the view from a distance; it is truly magical.

re breakfast at 11 -- I imagine either you or the site is mistranslating lunch. Lunch is déjeuner; breakfast is petit déjeuner. I suspect someone mistranslated.

If you look at Jane's marvelous posting, you will see the "tacky strip mall" where you get the shuttle -- that's where the Relais du Roy is located, so staying in that area means you CAN easily be on the Mont before and after the tour bus crowds (if the tide works in your favor.) Staying at a place where you need to drive to the parking lot and then walk a distance to the shuttle is a very different experience. But either way, it's amazing.